Nelson A, Collins J, Siddharthan K, Matz M, Waters T, et al.
Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. Date of publication 2008 Jan 1;volume 33(1):33-43.
1. Rehabil Nurs. 2008 Jan-Feb;33(1):33-43. doi:
10.1002/j.2048-7940.2008.tb00190.x.
Link between safe patient handling and patient outcomes in long-term care.
Nelson A(1), Collins J, Siddharthan K, Matz M, Waters T.
Author information:
(1)Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, James A Haley Veterans Administration
Medical Center, Tampa FL 33612, USA. audrey.nelson@va.gov
This study examined the relationship between safe patient handling and quality
of care measures. A comprehensive patient care ergonomics program included six
elements. Using a retrospective observational design, 10 quality domains were
compared before and after implementation of the program for 111 residents living
on 24 units in six Veterans Administration nursing homes using a general linear
regression model with repeated measures clustered within time and adjusted for
age. After implementation, we found lower levels of depression, improved urinary
continence, higher engagement in activities, lower fall risk, and higher levels
of alertness during the day. Additionally, four areas showed a decline in
function: pain, combativeness, locomotion, and cognition. Findings from this
study may be useful in enhancing organizational support for safe
patient-handling programs and could be used to build a business case for
improving caregiver safety.
DOI: 10.1002/j.2048-7940.2008.tb00190.x
PMID: 18236890 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
